August 10, 2013 Eastern Caribbean cruise on the Fantasy

[Dizney73]

I always forget that people travel with kids.
I have no idea how much downtime the 4 year old would need.

Why not just enjoy AKV - there are some lovely spots to watch the animals, the resort is huge and beautiful and there is still the pool to consider.
Don't know if you have eaten at Sanaa, but it is a wonderful restaurant, that has some "off the beaten path" food. And if you are lucky to get a table by the window you can watch the animals while eating.
If you are staying at Jambo - Jiko would be MY choice. The food is really nice and the service devine.

Have you looked at park times the week before our cruise?
MK closes at 10 and it is sooooooo far off, esp. if you have to use the Disney bus.
AK closes at 7, so I guess that is out.
Epcot and DHS will close at 9. If there aren't EMHs I don't think it's worth the trouble.

We have eaten at Sanaa before but never at Jiko... hmmm. Thanks for "talking" me through that decision! Sounds like a resort night to me now! The kids also love to do the nightvision. Sounds like a plan!

 

[Embraer]

We get off a Virgin flight about 3pm, so after immigration, baggage, car rental collection & a trip to WalMart on the 439 it's about 6pm. In the past we've just had dinner in DTD and crashed. Last time it was the Rainforest Cafe, this time I'll be booking an ADR for Cap'n Jack's. We're not planning on going into the parks that evening as we have 7day park tickets with a 14 day expiry. We fly out of the US on the monday evening after the cruise so that's 3 days and then you've the tues - fri before the big day. Might try one of the water parks for a day, would people recommend TL or BB with a 5 year old?

 

[Dizney73]

We get off a Virgin flight about 3pm, so after immigration, baggage, car rental collection & a trip to WalMart on the 439 it's about 6pm. In the past we've just had dinner in DTD and crashed. Last time it was the Rainforest Cafe, this time I'll be booking an ADR for Cap'n Jack's. We're not planning on going into the parks that evening as we have 7day park tickets with a 14 day expiry. We fly out of the US on the monday evening after the cruise so that's 3 days and then you've the tues - fri before the big day. Might try one of the water parks for a day, would people recommend TL or BB with a 5 year old?

I would be interested in knowing which water park people like best as well! WE purchased the premium annual passes with the DVC special last year. So we are planning to take our kids to the water parks and Disney quest thus summer. We actually have a short 4 night trip booked just to do the water parks!

 

[dizneeat]

We have eaten at Sanaa before but never at Jiko... hmmm. Thanks for "talking" me through that decision! Sounds like a resort night to me now! The kids also love to do the nightvision. Sounds like a plan!

Glad I could be of any help!

We get off a Virgin flight about 3pm, so after immigration, baggage, car rental collection & a trip to WalMart on the 439 it's about 6pm. In the past we've just had dinner in DTD and crashed. Last time it was the Rainforest Cafe, this time I'll be booking an ADR for Cap'n Jack's. We're not planning on going into the parks that evening as we have 7day park tickets with a 14 day expiry. We fly out of the US on the monday evening after the cruise so that's 3 days and then you've the tues - fri before the big day. Might try one of the water parks for a day, would people recommend TL or BB with a 5 year old?

We have about the same scenario, just that we get in around 6pm. We usually only get some dinner and then catch up on sleep. More than 10 hours travel time combined with the 6 hour time change take it's toll.
We stay a little less than 5 weeks this time, arriving three days before the cruise, than back to back cruises on the Fantasy, followed by 5 nights at WDW, a 5 day trip to Key West and back to WDW for another 5 nights.
We have been to both water parks and prefer Typhoon Lagoon. The wave pool is just awesome and Crush'n'Gusher is so much fun. There is always a very relaxing lazy river. There are more slides, but we just love the wave pool and lazy river (and Crusn'n'Gusher in the morning without any lines )
Blizzard Beach has Summit Plummet, but that always has long lines, the main pool area is not so spectacular (to us), a lazy river and some other slides too.
As I said, we have been to both but returned to TL FAR more often than BB.

I would be interested in knowing which water park people like best as well! WE purchased the premium annual passes with the DVC special last year. So we are planning to take our kids to the water parks and Disney quest thus summer. We actually have a short 4 night trip booked just to do the water parks!

I explained about our preferences of water parks in the post above yours. We had been thinking of the premium APs as well, but had just renewed our regular APs and we have quite a few leftover WP days on old tickets, so decided against them, but the premium APs were/are a really good deal.

 

[thefamilyford]

Just booked FLTours for our ride from AKV to the Port and from the Port to the airport! I just felt like doing some planning! I get to make our Disney ADR's in just 10 days... that will mae this all feel closer!

Do you mind me asking how much that costs? My husband and I are being quoted nearly $300 for the three of us to use the Disney Cruise Bus to go from Art of Animation to Port and Port to Airport. Hoping to find a much cheaper option. Any and all suggestions are appreciated? Many Thanks!

 

[Dizney73]

Do you mind me asking how much that costs? My husband and I are being quoted nearly $300 for the three of us to use the Disney Cruise Bus to go from Art of Animation to Port and Port to Airport. Hoping to find a much cheaper option. Any and all suggestions are appreciated? Many Thanks!

We are paying $300 including tip for a van to take 7 of us to the port from wdw and then from the port to the airport. We get a grocery stop on the way so we can pick up a case of water, extra suntan lotion, and maybe some adult beverages.
You can click on their add on the transportation board and get a free quote and reservation.
We did the Disney transfers last summer and i must admit we loved them! We loved not bring picked up until 11:15 am from bay lake. We had time for breakfast at ohana, went to the magic kingdom, got haircuts...and casually walked back tour room to pick up out carry ons and hop on the bus! We didn't care about getting on the ship later and wee actually just walked right on board!
Thus year we are traveling with a first time cruise family and with 7 of us.. The cost was cheaper with Florida tours.

 

[thefamilyford]

We are paying $300 including tip for a van to take 7 of us to the port from wdw and then from the port to the airport. We get a grocery stop on the way so we can pick up a case of water, extra suntan lotion, and maybe some adult beverages.
You can click on their add on the transportation board and get a free quote and reservation.
We did the Disney transfers last summer and i must admit we loved them! We loved not bring picked up until 11:15 am from bay lake. We had time for breakfast at ohana, went to the magic kingdom, got haircuts...and casually walked back tour room to pick up out carry ons and hop on the bus! We didn't care about getting on the ship later and wee actually just walked right on board!
Thus year we are traveling with a first time cruise family and with 7 of us.. The cost was cheaper with Florida tours.

Many Thanks Dizney 73 for your informative response. Likely a dumb question, but where can I find the transportation board? Wanting to explore Florida Tours.

 

[Dizney73]

Many Thanks Dizney 73 for your informative response. Likely a dumb question, but where can I find the transportation board? Wanting to explore Florida Tours.

First check right on this page under the blue bar at the top of the page...it is showing Florida tours. But out on the Disney world threads of disboards look for the thread called transportation. It is sponsored by fl tours!

 

[thefamilyford]

First check right on this page under the blue bar at the top of the page...it is showing Florida tours. But out on the Disney world threads of disboards look for the thread called transportation. It is sponsored by fl tours!

Thanks for the information. I love the idea of a 30 minute grocery stop! Unfortunately, I just did a quick search and Florida Tours quoted me $273 including tip so it is still an expensive option for just three people. I will continue to search for a cheaper option.

Anyone else have any other suggestions?

 

[jd99]

I would be interested in knowing which water park people like best as well! WE purchased the premium annual passes with the DVC special last year. So we are planning to take our kids to the water parks and Disney quest thus summer. We actually have a short 4 night trip booked just to do the water parks!

we have been to both water parks and we by far prefer Typhoon Lagoon. We like the theming there better and the Crushin' Gusher is a one of kind. It's like a bigger longer Aquaduck. So much fun I think we all rode it something like 11 times the last time we went. And this may be our imagination but TL just seems "cleaner" than BB.

 

[Dizney73]

we have been to both water parks and we by far prefer Typhoon Lagoon. We like the theming there better and the Crushin' Gusher is a one of kind. It's like a bigger longer Aquaduck. So much fun I think we all rode it something like 11 times the last time we went. And this may be our imagination but TL just seems "cleaner" than BB.

Thanks! I love to plan... and admit that I sometimes OVER plan! We have been to Disney so many times (5 times last year) but have never visited a water park! Anderson is now 4 and has finally hit 39 inches (fingers are crossed for 40 by the summer for Splash Mountain) and since we took advantage of that great DVC Premium pass deal...it just all fits! I do believe we will visit both BB and TL but sounds like we will be spending more of our time at TL!

Would you plan the same kind of times for the waterparks? Hit up EMH at 8am... get a few hours in... when the crowd comes go get some lunch? Do the water park crowds get less in the pm? I also thought we could hit them up from like 5 till close at 8. Figuring that the daily afternoon summer storm would disperse the crowd...

 

[jd99]

Thanks! I love to plan... and admit that I sometimes OVER plan! We have been to Disney so many times (5 times last year) but have never visited a water park! Anderson is now 4 and has finally hit 39 inches (fingers are crossed for 40 by the summer for Splash Mountain) and since we took advantage of that great DVC Premium pass deal...it just all fits! I do believe we will visit both BB and TL but sounds like we will be spending more of our time at TL!

Would you plan the same kind of times for the waterparks? Hit up EMH at 8am... get a few hours in... when the crowd comes go get some lunch? Do the water park crowds get less in the pm? I also thought we could hit them up from like 5 till close at 8. Figuring that the daily afternoon summer storm would disperse the crowd...

The last time we went (in June) we didn't do such a plan. We actually used it as a sleep in day and then just went whenever we were ready. Probably got there "with" the crowds but it still was very manageable and great fun.

 

[dizneeat]

Would you plan the same kind of times for the waterparks? Hit up EMH at 8am... get a few hours in... when the crowd comes go get some lunch? Do the water park crowds get less in the pm? I also thought we could hit them up from like 5 till close at 8. Figuring that the daily afternoon summer storm would disperse the crowd...

I would definitely use EMHs at the Water parks. You can get on the slides without a long wait and pick the spot you like to stay it. In August, they get really crowded at around 10.30 - 11.30
We usually arrive at 7.45 and stay until 1pm.

 

[Jrex21]

Hi ya'll!!

We just had to change our Sept. 4 night to a Aug. 7 night (aww how sad ) due to a scheduling conflict with my sister starting patisserie school (YUM!). We took our first Disney cruise together last October after spending a few days at the resort and now we are hooked. We would love to participate in FE, it was so fun last time and the kids loved delivering Mickey Magic to other families! My family is kinda large now and we always travel together so we have 3 staterooms!


My Parents 10636: Dottie and Joe
My sister's family: 10638
Jordan
Anthony
Gia- 3
My family: 10640
Joey--- that's ME!
John---DH
Jayson---DS- 3 at cruise time
Nemo--- TBA Baby due March 22!

My Dad is an avid cruiser with RCCL and has been on the Eastern a few times, but the rest of us are brand new so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions for yall!

Can't wait to start planning now that it's official!!

 

[Embraer]

Why oh why is booking ADRs so fraught? 180 days out from our World appetiser to the main event on the 10th and here I am skypeing on an iPad and getting everything organised. So far nothing has escaped me including the big one. What dining reservation do you get for your father who's paying for everything and celebrating his 70th 6weeks after the vacation? That's right, the CHEF's TABLE at the V&A!!!! I would have settled for main dining or the Queen Victoria room but I gave the hostess 4 nights and the Chef's Table was free on the 8th. Well at least now I only have to get a Remy reservation for me and the wife because after that the V&A I doubt even with the Rat's restaurant's reputation will disappoint them. Now roll on the 12th May to get Palo & Remy for ourselves

 

[twacht]

Hello all from snowy and cold NW Ohio. My name is Tracy and my DH and I (Michael) will be joining you on the Aug 10 Fantasy cruise. This will be our 3rd cruise. We enjoyed the Magic last March with our 4 kids (DD Lexi and Alena, DS Sasha and Matthew), relaxed on the Dream for the DVC member cruise in January 2013 and booked this one while onboard for just us again. I love to take the kids but with 4 we have to book 2 rooms and it gets soooo expensive.

I am an RN who subs at a local school and my DH is a software developer. We are off to Disney with the kids in a few weeks for spring break staying at the AKL and can't wait.

We are looking forward to getting to know all of you...this thread is huge! Can't wait to get all caught up!

 

[dizneeat]

Hi ya'll!!

We just had to change our Sept. 4 night to a Aug. 7 night (aww how sad ) due to a scheduling conflict with my sister starting patisserie school (YUM!). We took our first Disney cruise together last October after spending a few days at the resort and now we are hooked. We would love to participate in FE, it was so fun last time and the kids loved delivering Mickey Magic to other families! My family is kinda large now and we always travel together so we have 3 staterooms!


My Parents 10636: Dottie and Joe
My sister's family: 10638
Jordan
Anthony
Gia- 3
My family: 10640
Joey--- that's ME!
John---DH
Jayson---DS- 3 at cruise time
Nemo--- TBA Baby due March 22!

My Dad is an avid cruiser with RCCL and has been on the Eastern a few times, but the rest of us are brand new so I'm sure I'll have lots of questions for yall!

Can't wait to start planning now that it's official!!

I am happy to say, I am GLAD you had to change and will now cruise with us!
I will add you to the list of cruisers right away, as well as the FE list! Are ALL of your family members participating?

Fire away with any questions you have. I will try to answer as many as I can and there are some really knowledgeable people on here you can help out!

Keeping my fingers crossed for an "easy delivery" of your newest addition to the family!

Why oh why is booking ADRs so fraught? 180 days out from our World appetiser to the main event on the 10th and here I am skypeing on an iPad and getting everything organised. So far nothing has escaped me including the big one. What dining reservation do you get for your father who's paying for everything and celebrating his 70th 6weeks after the vacation? That's right, the CHEF's TABLE at the V&A!!!! I would have settled for main dining or the Queen Victoria room but I gave the hostess 4 nights and the Chef's Table was free on the 8th. Well at least now I only have to get a Remy reservation for me and the wife because after that the V&A I doubt even with the Rat's restaurant's reputation will disappoint them. Now roll on the 12th May to get Palo & Remy for ourselves

Were you able to do ALL your reservations online? It will only let me do the one 180 days out.
I hate to call and be on hold forever.
Well, at least I only have three WDW days to fill with reservations before the cruise, that leaves them with two weeks (the time until our "after the cruise" ADR window opens) to get things straightened out!
Congrats on scoring the Chef's Table at V&A! You are going to love it!

I just checked and I can start booking Palo and Remy on April 12! It's time I get planning those cruises as well. Guess I will start when we get back from our DREAM cruise in two weeks time.

Hello all from snowy and cold NW Ohio. My name is Tracy and my DH and I (Michael) will be joining you on the Aug 10 Fantasy cruise. This will be our 3rd cruise. We enjoyed the Magic last March with our 4 kids (DD Lexi and Alena, DS Sasha and Matthew), relaxed on the Dream for the DVC member cruise in January 2013 and booked this one while onboard for just us again. I love to take the kids but with 4 we have to book 2 rooms and it gets soooo expensive.

I am an RN who subs at a local school and my DH is a software developer. We are off to Disney with the kids in a few weeks for spring break staying at the AKL and can't wait.

We are looking forward to getting to know all of you...this thread is huge! Can't wait to get all caught up!

from one snowy region to another. Austria got dumped yesterday as well.
It's great to have you on board.
This will be our 11th cruise and first one on the Fantasy.

What a great idea to take the kids to Disney for Spring break. Must be fun, even if it must be a little more crowded at that time.

 

[Embraer]

You can book 180days out from the first day of your stay plus 10 days in advance of that. It's a privilege extended to people staying on site, much like those privileges extended to gold and platinum CC members. You have to make sure your reservation is linked to your Disney website profile and it automatically opens up the extra 10 days. Booked the Chef's Table over the phone promptly at 9am EST (I think the lad at V&A had literally just sat down at her desk!), mainly because although you can book main dining & Chef's Table online you can't with the Queen Victoria room. CT is for my father and his partner as we've 2 kids under 6 but the Fantasy has the Oceaneers club and IASW nursery so we'll be booking Remy when we can

 

[twacht]

What a great idea to take the kids to Disney for Spring break. Must be fun, even if it must be a little more crowded at that time. [/COLOR][/FONT][/QUOTE]


We don't seem to notice the crowds like other do...we have done spring break for several years and it never really bothers us. Oh we definately use the fasspass option for things like the Rock N Roller Coaster and Toy Story Mania, but overall we just enjoy Disney so much we must look past the crowds.

 

[dizneeat]

You can book 180days out from the first day of your stay plus 10 days in advance of that. It's a privilege extended to people staying on site, much like those privileges extended to gold and platinum CC members. You have to make sure your reservation is linked to your Disney website profile and it automatically opens up the extra 10 days. Booked the Chef's Table over the phone promptly at 9am EST (I think the lad at V&A had literally just sat down at her desk!), mainly because although you can book main dining & Chef's Table online you can't with the Queen Victoria room. CT is for my father and his partner as we've 2 kids under 6 but the Fantasy has the Oceaneers club and IASW nursery so we'll be booking Remy when we can

You just made my day!
Tom and I had such a good laugh reading your tutorial about booking ADRs. It is something I usually post.
We stay between 5 - 7 weeks a year in the Orlando area, always stay on property, and are very familiar with the DDP and booking ADRs.
I was not sure if you only booked your V&A ressie or if you booked more ADRs online.
Because whenever I try to book an ADR from the "My Disney Experience" site, signed in of course, then it offers me the 10+ days, it lets you click on them, but it never comes up with a possible ADR time.
I emailed Disney about this and got an email back, saying that they are working on it and are hoping to have it fixed soon. My next ADRs are only due in 2 weeks (we go back to back on the Fantasy), so we'll see if it will work then.

We don't seem to notice the crowds like other do...we have done spring break for several years and it never really bothers us. Oh we definately use the fasspass option for things like the Rock N Roller Coaster and Toy Story Mania, but overall we just enjoy Disney so much we must look past the crowds.

I completely understand what you mean about utilizing FP. We travel to WDW during President's week every year and it IS crowded then too.
We make use of EMH and early mornings, then head back to the resort to chill at the pool or do some shopping, before heading back to the parks at night. Thankfully we have another 4 week summer vacation which goes into September and the crowds get less and less lateron in the vacation.